Should I buy a Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Outback (or Forester), or a Volkswagen Passat?

Question

I just moved to Austin, TX from Alaska. I had a 1997 Subaru Outback that I loved but I sold it before moving.
Now I'm looking for a new car here. I've narrowed it down to these choices:
1997 Toyota 4Runner with 100K miles
1997 Subaru Legacy (sedan) with 61K miles
1999 Subaru Outback (wagon) or Forester 90K miles
1999 Volkswagen Passat 87K miles

I'm looking for something reliable that will last me another 100K miles.
I prefer something with the space of an SUV or wagon but can do without.
I know the Subaru's last long but the gas mileage isn't that great for just a car...might as well get an SUV.
I like the 4Runner but I can only afford the 1997 with 100K miles (cause they never lose their value for goodness sake) and the mileage kinda scares me. The Passat is very sharp, great looking interior, fun to drive, etc. but I'm a little worried about the reliability.

Which would be the best considering the circumstances?

Answer 1

Avoid the Passat like it was the plague, you will not get to 100k on it without a major repair. The electrical system is problematic, and a nightmare to fix. The engines also had known problems with gumming up and ignition coils. They also can not be worked on by many small shops as they require expensive tools and diagnostics. VW dealers are not known for being inexpensive or particularly sympathetic.

The Subaru's run forever, and have very few problem areas. The Forester will get worse mileage than the Legacy's, and probably feel a little slower. It was regarded as the best small SUV back in the day though. All Subaru's tend to burn a little oil (in fairness most boxer style motors do), but checking it every 1000 or so miles and adding a little oil if needed will solve that problem. Legacy sedans are few and far between and are harder to sell. Really did not distinguish itself as a sedan.

4Runners are great and do run forever, and mileage is not a huge worry if it was taken care of. You will get lousy mileage and they ride kinda harsh and do not handle well. It is basically a 4 door truck.

You loved you old Subaru, so go with what you know.

Answer 2

I can speak about the passat. I have only owned vw's and currently have a 2004 2.0 Golf, a 2000 vr6 Jetta, and a 1967 Beetle.

If the passat is the vr6 engine then 84k miles is great. That is the 12v vr6 and is an incredible bullet proof engine. I have 95k on mine and it is still going strong.

VW's are a car you have to love because they do take more to own than most cars but they are fun to drive and they last forever.

I am biased but would take the Passat over any of those, only if it have the VR6 engine.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

My recommendation is the Toy 4runner. I bought my '97 last year with 173k miles on it from an independent dealer who showed me paperwk that it was a one owner. I now have 185k miles on it and have not had any problems! It is a Limited model and is in Outstanding condition. Highway mileage 65-75 mph is 22mpg! That is with the descent size 4Runner tires as well. It does not burn the first drop of oil. Hence, perhaps I got the cream of the crop, but for me it was a good $6k investment. Look all the vehicles over good, top to bottom, take to mechanic $40-50 should give you a descent health condition of the vehicle. As well continue to ping the net here, lots of valueable info. Good luck with which ever one you choose. BTW, I currently drive mine in Bahrain, and there are at least 3 other ones here very similiar to mine and all the drivers have commented on how nice theirs 4Runners are. Happy Holidays.

Answer 5

Personally, i'd go with the Legacy Sedan due to mileage. If you need the space then the 4runner, but they can be expensive to repair as well as the Passat. Also consider, you won't get snow in TX, but you can get in ice storms. Therefore awd wouldn't be needed but stability would be and perhaps the larger suv would be difficult to drive.

Answer 6

Passat

Answer 7

I might be bias also because I used to be a salesman at a Subaru dealer but, the low mile subaru is the best choice by far. They are rock solid AWD (all of them since 96) cars. The 4Runner is a gas hog and the VW is gonna cost you alot of money to keep up.

Answer 8

i'm a huge toyota fan, but 100k is alot, go w/legacy, i wouldnt buy a passat is crap, will break down lots and little plastic peices inside will break and piss you off, mileage on 4runner pretty poor. i used to sell all those cars, my fav is 4run, but again miles high..

Answer 9

considering your preferences. go with the toyota. toyotas can last a good 300k but most can get to 175 or maybe 200k. screw the passat. VW's are great new but terrible used. they blow up after 110K

Answer 10

4 runner